Prep time: 40 mins | Cooking time: 30 mins | Total time: 1 hr 10 mins
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of France with these two iconic recipes: Le Crocodile’s Classic Alsatian Onion Tart and the refreshing Kir cocktail. These time-honored delicacies will transport you to the charming streets of Alsace and Burgundy, where every bite and sip is a celebration of regional flavors. With my guidance, you’ll master these recipes with ease, and the results will leave you craving for more.
Le Crocodile’s Classic Alsatian Onion Tart
Ingredients:
- 1 x 9-inch deep dish pastry shell
- 3 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil
- 2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup (250 ml) thick béchamel sauce (recipe follows)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground nutmeg, to taste
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) dry white wine
- 4 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and oil over low heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent, but not browned.
- While the onions are cooking, bring 2 cups (500 ml) of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the bacon pieces and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the bacon pieces immediately and set them aside.
- Remove the sautéed onions from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the béchamel sauce, salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground nutmeg, heavy whipping cream, and dry white wine until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gently fold in the cooked bacon pieces.
- Pour the onion mixture into the prepared pastry shell, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully transfer the tart to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
How to serve: Slice the warm Alsatian Onion Tart into wedges and serve alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of steaming hot soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Kir
(Bonus Cocktail)
Ingredients:
- 4 1/2 oz (130 ml) Aligoté (or other dry white wine)
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) Crème de Cassis
Instructions:
- In a wine glass, pour the Crème de Cassis.
- Top it with the chilled Aligoté or dry white wine.
- Gently swirl the glass to mix the ingredients together.
How to serve: Serve the Kir cocktail chilled, preferably with the Classic Alsatian Onion Tart, for a truly authentic French culinary experience.
Servings: 6-8 (Onion Tart), 1 (Kir Cocktail)
Nutritional Information (per serving, Onion Tart):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 9g
#ALSATIANCUISINE | #BAKEDONIONS | #COMFORTFOOD
#KIRCOCKTAIL | #CREMEDECASSIS | #FRENCHCULINARY